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Rashford and Wilshere named in England squad

Marcus Rashford and Jack Wilshere have been named in England’s 26-man provisional squad for the European Championship.

Hodgson has named a provisional party that includes 18-year-old Rashford, less than three months after he made his first-team debut for United.

The uncapped striker’s impressive form has seen him fast-tracked into a group of forwards along with Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy, as Jermain Defoe and Andy Carroll miss out.

Andros Townsend, who won the last of his ten caps in October, comes in following Danny Welbeck’s knee injury, but there is no place for Theo Walcott.

Leicester’s Danny Drinkwater, who impressed on his debut against Holland in March, is included in the squad, as are Jack Wilshere and Jordan Henderson as the pair make their way back from injury.

Phil Jagielka is the high-profile defensive absentee, with the Everton defender left out as Hodgson opted for a seven-man defence.

Hodgson was in attendance at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday to oversee Wilshere’s first Arsenal start of the season against Aston Villa and has decided to give him the nod.

The midfielder suffered a broken leg in August but his last appearance for England, against Slovenia in June 2015, saw him score twice in a 3-2 win.

Liverpool captain Henderson also made his return from a month-long knee injury absence over the weekend and the England manager admits fitness concerns contributed towards his naming of an extended squad.

The Three Lions face Turkey, Australia and Portugal before heading to France in June.